Unstoppable Clarke makes it two wins on the spin on the European Trophy Tour

Adam Hull

Berkhamsted FootGolfer Ben Clarke has made it back-to-back victories on the European Trophy Tour by following up his Croatian Open win with another impressive triumph at the Hungarian Open.

Clarke, 24, kept his composure to take the title by just one shot, making him the first man ever to win two consecutive stages on the Tour.

The event organiser mentioned to me that I would be the first ever player to win back to back European Trophy Tour wins, which added a little extra pressure but also an incentive.

Ben Clarke

Speaking about his latest win, Clarke told the Gazette: “It was amazing to win in Hungary; it was said before that the tournament would potentially be the toughest one yet, with nine of the top 10 in Europe present in the 110-man field.

“After day one I was tied first with three other players – Paul Oliver (UK), Nick Iron (UK) and David Mancino (Switzerland). The event organiser mentioned to me that I would be the first ever player to win back to back European Trophy Tour wins, which added a little extra pressure but also an incentive.

“So to win in Hungary was a huge achievement which I’m extremely proud of. There was also success for Team UK who were crowned champions of Europe 2015.”

After his thumping eight-shot victory in Croatia, Clarke admits he was made to battle for his victory this time around.

“The final flight I played in was an incredible test, with last year’s European champion Mancino, plus Nick Iron and Paul Oliver being ranked two and three in Europe,” said Clarke.

“We had all the players that had finished their rounds watching on – some described it as a ‘Lesson of FootGolf’ to everyone, so it was my toughest test yet.

“To also give you an idea of the standard of the final flight, a course record had been in place for just over two years, and all four of us either equalled or bettered that record.”

His victory moves Clarke up to fourth in the European rankings, with one more event left on the European Trophy Tour to be played in Turkey at the end of November.

Then his sights will turn to the big one – the FootGolf World Cup in Argentina at the start of next year.

“It’s going to be great,” enthused Clarke. “Representing your country in a sport is an amazing achievement and something I’m looking forward to.

“I’m feeling confident going in to it; it will be a great experience to see what standard the rest of the world has to offer. In Europe the competition is tough, so I’m sure it’ll be a great test and one I’m looking forward to!”